Becker Bible Teacher Resources

A Jewish social-religious sect whose members, like the Sadducees, considered themselves to be the true descendants of Sadok, the high priest of Solomon. They rejected the temple priests as corrupt; only priests affiliated with their sect were deemed pure. Founded by a man they refer to as the "Teacher of Righteousness," they established a semi-monastic community near the Dead Sea. In 1947, leather scrolls sealed in hermetically sealed jars, in the Essene community of Qumran were discovered by a shepherd boy. The Wady Qumran Manuscripts, known as the "Dead Sea Scrolls", dated between c. 200 B.C. and A.D. 66-70, contain the oldest extant Hebrew manuscripts as well as documents unique to the Essene sect. The Essenes belief in the immediate coming of God's Kingdom was connected to their confidence in the physical resurrection of the body. They were preoccupied with the end-of-days, the nearness of God and the need for repentance. The Essenes thought they were the first generation of God's people, preparing to meet the prophesized Jewish Messiah in their lifetime.

The principles of right and wrong that guide moral duty, obligation, and decision making.

Ethic levels range from smallest to largest strength order.The stronger the level for the basis of ethics, the more effective and true the ethics become:

1) Idea - An attractive thought, concept, or theory that is uniquely novel to the thinker

2) Opinion - An estimation, judgment, or idea that is tied to emotions

3) Belief - A faith, strong inclination, or principle that is based upon thoughtful reflection without emotional weight

4) Commitment - A decision to embrace an obligation or effort whose principles or beliefs are based upon emotions, mind, and will

5) Conviction - Strong beliefs that create solid choices of thought and action that one would be willing, if necessary, to die for

6) Spiritual Conviction - Ethics that do not change and are based upon a foundation that is beyond the personal preferences of an individual. The Word of God is the only foundation of Truth that true spiritual conviction is based.